The Andaman Islands are the largest archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, off the east coast of India. Although these remote and exotic islands are actually closer to Myanmar in Southeast Asia, they're a Union Territory of India. There are about 550 islands in the group, but only 28 are inhabited. Approximately 30 percent of the area is designated tribal reserve that's out of bounds to tourists, as some tribes are known to be hostile (this includes the Sentinelese, who have killed people). However, the parts that can be visited offer a dreamy combination of wild jungle, immaculate beaches, a kaleidoscope of coral, and flaming sunsets. There's something for everyone from intrepid travelers to luxury tourists, and adventure enthusiasts to solitude-seekers. Find out more in this guide to the Andaman Islands.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: The tropical climate is warm and humid all year. For perfect, sunny days, the best time to visit is from January to April, which is the high season. December to March is the best time to see turtles nesting.

Language: English is widely understood and used for official communication. Bengali is the most common language though. Other Indian languages spoken by some people are Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

Getting Around: Most islands can only be reached by passenger ferries. The main group of islands—North, Middle and South Andaman—is connected by the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR), with ferry crossings and bridges. Depending on the place, various types of local transport may be available including auto rickshaws, taxis, shared jeeps and public buses. Costly seaplane and helicopter services operate between a few islands such as Port Blair and Havelock Island. On the islands, it's convenient to hire a scooter or bicycle.

Travel Tips: Expect to go on a digital detox because Internet connectivity is generally poor. Credit cards are widely accepted in Port Blair at upmarket hotels and restaurants. You'll most likely need to pay with cash in other places. Stock up on cash in Port Blair because it may not be possible to get money elsewhere. There are a couple of ATMs on Havelock Island and Neil Island but they don't always work. Book ferry tickets in advance using a local travel agent to avoid a lot of hassle or missing out in peak season. Experience Andamans is most popular.

Getting There

Port Blair, on South Andaman, is the capital and entry point to the Andaman Islands. It's only accessible via the Indian mainland. There are regular non-stop direct flights from Kolkata in West Bengal and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Direct flights are also possible on various days from Delhi, Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, Bangalore in Karnataka, and Hyderabad in Telangana. Budget travelers who have a few days to spare and don't mind roughing it can try their luck traveling by boat. The Shipping Corporation of India operates passenger services once a week from Kolkata and Chennai, and once a month from Vishakapatnam.

Previously, foreigners needed a Restricted Area Permit (obtainable on arrival at Port Blair) to visit the Andaman Islands. However, this requirement was lifted in August 2018 for all foreigners except those from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan.

It's not possible to spend the night on all of the islands. In addition, permits are still required to visit forests, wildlife and marine sanctuaries, and tribal reserves within the islands (such as North Sentinel Island) because they're protected areas. The cost of the permits can be prohibitive for foreigners. You can expect to pay 1,000 rupees for a permit to visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Port Blair, or Ross and Smith Islands near Diglipur on North Andaman. (Indians only pay 75 rupees.)

Tourism in the Andaman Islands mostly takes place in Port Blair, the islands around South Andaman, and Havelock Island to the north. Apart from Port Blair, Havelock Island is the only island with fully developed tourist infrastructure. Infrastructure is quickly catching up on Neil Island, its nearby neighbor, though. This island is less commercialized but still comfortable.

For those who want to get off-the-beaten-track:

Baratang Island, between South and Middle Andaman islands, has mud volcanoes, limestone caves, mangrove creeks, and a spot where thousands of parrots flock to roost every evening.

Long Island, off the coast of Middle Andaman Island, is ideal for those looking for a slow pace of life and local community atmosphere.

Diglipur is the major town on far North Andaman Island but nearby Kalipur Beach is more pleasant. Saddle Peak (the highest point in the Andaman Islands at 732 meters above sea level), Smith and Ross Islands marine sanctuary, and tiny Craggy Island are other places to visit in the area.

Little Andaman Island is as far south as you can go. This area was badly damaged by the 2004 tsunami but has slowly recovered. There's no tourist infrastructure there, apart from simple guesthouses and huts on the beach. It's best known as a surfing destination.

Things to Do

All notable historical attractions are located in and around Port Blair. The Andaman Islands are rated among the best scuba diving sites in the world though snorkeling is a popular alternative. Other activities include various watersports, island hopping, jungle treks, fishing, bird watching, undersea walking, and surfing. And, of course, chilling by the beach!

The top things to do in the Andaman Islands are:

City tour of Port Blair including British-era colonial buildings, museums, World War II bunkers, Corbyn's Cove, and the notorious Cellular Jail (there's an evening sound and light show).

See the only active volcano in India on Barren Island. Experience Andamans conducts boat tours.

Watch Smith and Ross Islands become two separate islands when the tide is out.

What to Eat and Drink

Seafood is the specialty in the Andaman Islands. Mandalay Restaurant in Port Blair and Red Snapper at the Wild Orchid Resort on Havelock Island are the best places to dine. Indian cuisine is commonly served in restaurants. Alcohol is a hit and miss affair though. It doesn't flow freely, so it's best to get your own supply from liquor stores in the area. Generally, only high-end restaurants attached to luxury hotels serve alcohol, and bars are few and far between.

Where to Stay

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) has a few hotels. The best ones are Dolphin Resort on Havelock Island and Megapode Resort in Port Blair.

On Neil Island:Sea Shell and Silver Sand Beach Resorts are new upmarket options. Pearl Park Beach Resort has cute cottages in a tropical garden setting by the ocean, a swimming pool, and sunset viewpoint.

On Long Island:Blue Planet is a delightful, eco-friendly place to stay off-the-beaten-track. It has a range of huts and cottages, some with shared bathrooms, for all kinds of travelers.

Culture and Customs

Hinduism is the main religion in the Andaman Islands. As many people are Bengalis, Durga Puja is the biggest festival celebrated. There's also a large minority of Christians. Muslims are a small minority. Indigenous tribes make up about 10 percent of the population and most follow their own distinct shamanistic religion. They believe in spirits of the dead, which are associated with the sky, sea, and forest. They also believe it's possible to communicate with the spirits through dreams.The two most important ones are Puluga (also known as Biliku) and Tarai, connected to the monsoon winds and storms.

The Andaman Islands has a conservative culture. While revealing swimwear is fine for the beach, make sure you cover up in other local areas such as village markets and jetties.

Money Saving Tips

The shoulder seasons from October to mid-December, and April to mid-May, are less expensive and quieter. The weather is variable though, as these months are either side of the rainy monsoon season.

Travel by bus and public (rather than private) ferry where possible.

Skip the expensive seafood and order a local thali (platter) for a couple hundred rupees.